‘The Parsi Lady’ Painting By Late Legendary Artist Ravi Varma Restored

‘The Parsi Lady’ – a century-old, unfinished painting of legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma, which had remained folded and shelved in the studio of the 380-year-old Kilimanoor Palace, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has now been restored and was unveiled by the Kilimanoor Palace Trust, at the Palace itself, on 29th April, 2023, which marked the 175th birth anniversary of the celebrated artist.

‘The Parsi Lady’ has the specialty of being the last unfinished painting of Ravi Varma, who worked on the painting in the Chitrasala of the Kilimanoor Palace, but unfortunately passed away due to an illness before finishing it (incomplete parts included the fingers and background).

In 1904, upon the death of his brother, a devastated Ravi Varma left Mumbai and returned home to Kilimanoor palace, bringing along some of his unfinished works including ‘The Parsi Lady’ – an oil painting on canvas, but he fell ill and died in 1906, leaving it incomplete.

A team of three conservators – restorers Madhan and Moses; and their mentor, V N Selvarehai – began the restoration work eight years ago and have finally been able to restore the painting to its intended glory. The painting will be put up for public viewing after a month as the Palace authorities are in the process of arranging appropriate security measures.